Town Square

RE: Building community takes a village

Original post made
by Ro, Another Pleasanton neighborhood,
on Apr 3, 2009

I applaud Margaret Fuquea's courageous letter to the editor in today's Pleasanton Weekly. I too am considered a second class citizen because of my relationship, yet I pay the same taxes as everyone else in this town, and I have no children of my own. I also believe that our community needs good schools for the children here because they are our future. I want them to have the best teachers around. I want them to have good programs in school. I want them to have the best possible education they can receive. Perhaps in their adulthood, they will make good choices based on fairness and equality for all!

Posted by Stacey
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Apr 3, 2009 at 7:23 pmStacey is a registered user.

"Perhaps in their adulthood, they will make good choices based on fairness and equality for all!"

It is certainly a good hope. It is also hoped that a vote on Measure G will also be based upon fairness and equality. Flat parcel taxes like Measure G are highly regressive. No one can opt out of paying the tax just because they've taken a 100% pay cut (layoff) at their job. Where's the fairness in that?

Posted by Disagree w/B
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 3, 2009 at 8:03 pm

The letter the poster mentions is a beautifully written letter and worth typing in full.

"It takes a village.

"I have always believed in that statement. I have chosen to not have children and I have never had a problem paying taxes to support a school system that teachers other people's children. I believe the children of my community should be educated; that is what makes the world better. Right?

"Well now the community I have chosen to live in needs more money to support the schools here, the schools where other people's children g to learn to make the world better. Are these the same people on my street with a couple of kids that attend school? Are these the same people that now want me to pay out more money to educate these children? Are these the same people that had a sign in their yard ruing the last election to vote yes on Prop 8?

"Now my village wants me? Needs me? Now my second-class citizen status does not seem to matter? My money is good enough, but my relationship is not? I will pay my parcel tax. In fact, I would pay more than my village is asking because I do believe it takes a village and I am part of that village. Remember that next election, people of my village. Margaret Fuquea"

I wish the original poster had taken the time to share Ms. Fuquea's full text. I don't support the parcel tax, but I also did not support Prop 8. Ms. Fuquea, you are welcome in my part of the village.

Posted by PtownMommy
a resident of Del Prado
on Apr 3, 2009 at 11:41 pmPtownMommy is a registered user.

Margaret,
I would like to personally thank you for your continued support of our children's education. We need more people with your generousity in our community (city, state, country).

I find it very sad that even in 2009 people are still so close minded. I am a happily married mother of four and was very passionate about Prop 8. It makes me angry that same-sex marriage is still such an issue. We all deserve equality.

When I read your letter this afternoon I knew I needed to comment. I want you to know that there are people that appreciate your contribution and support.

Let's hope that the village is more supportive/tolerant/open minded of equal rights during our next election.